Tell me about the first drag show you ever saw.
I went to Southern Nights [in Orlando], on the day before my 18th birthday. I stood outside the door waiting with a friend until it turned midnight and I was able to get in the club.
When the show started, Nazhoni walked out on stage and started performing her insane “Love Commandments” number, and I was gagged.
When did you decide you wanted to do drag?
It was actually that performance by Nazhoni that hooked me into drag. Before that, I didn’t really care for it.
When did you realize it would be a profession?
A few years after I began doing drag, I started to really make a name for myself. My husband, Blaze Adonis, and I created the house of Adonis. At that time I knew this could be a profession.
Who’s your drag mother?
Over the 17 years I’ve been doing drag, there are a few that have been my mothers, and they shaped me into the entertainer I am today. I’ve since given them lots of grandbabies!
I love them all dearly, so I can’t just name one: They are Nazhoni, Avalon Infiniti, and Power Infiniti. My first family was the Legendary House of Infiniti.
Besides your drag mothers, who’s your favorite queen?
Again, I can’t choose just one. I’ll always live for Sasha Colby [who moved to Orlando from Chicago], but our legendary queens of Central Florida always give a stunning performance.
Right now, I am living for the new girls on the scene: Waka, the Cavalli girls, Zeal, Venus, Dalia, Matryx, and so many more. They are so creative and a joy to watch on stage. There’s no way I could pick just one. There’s too many flavors to enjoy!
What’s your favorite number to perform and why?
I love a good old Broadway/Disney number, but Jessie J’s “Sexy Lady” makes me feel all of my jush, and it has a good message. It’s also upbeat and fun.
What’s the best thing that has happened to you in drag?
Knowing that you changed someone’s life for the better just by doing something you love is incredible. I’ve had people tell me that I’ve saved them at dark points in their lives, and it really makes you think that maybe you were put here to do just that. It’s humbling.
What differentiates you from other queens?
I would probably say my character/cosplay numbers. That’s when I’m my most creative self.
What does the future hold?
Who knows, honestly? The world is crazy right now, but I hope the future is bright and gay and full of warm hugs.
Follow Kaija on Instagram @kaijaadonis.
